BICOM

Israeli security forces continued to sweep the West Bank overnight in search of three Israeli teenage boys who were kidnapped on Thursday evening.

The three missing youngsters, Eyal Yifrah, 19, Gilad Shaer, 16 and Naftali Frenkel, 16, were hitchhiking in the Gush Etzion area of the West Bank when they disappeared. Since their disappearance became apparent on Friday morning, Israeli security forces have converged on the West Bank. Late Saturday night the IDF arrested 80 Palestinians in the West Bank, mostly Hamas affiliates including senior officials, as well as known Palestinian Islamic Jihad operatives. However, no group has admitted to the kidnapping.

A particular focus has been placed on Hebron, where a burnt out car thought to be connected to the kidnapping was found and two known Hamas members have gone conspicuously missing. A closure was imposed on the Hebron region and three border crossings into Gaza were shut. Two arrests were made in a house in Hebron last night after blasts were heard. Further arrests were made south of Nablus and a limited number of specialised reservists were called up to assist with the search. Meanwhile, there are reports this morning of a clash outside Ramallah, as Israeli security forces carried out arrests, leaving one Palestinian dead.

Meanwhile, the news of the kidnapping has gripped Israel. Updated news reports are broadcast throughout the day and the story thoroughly dominates all newspapers. Tens of thousands of people gathered at the Western Wall yesterday evening in Jerusalem to pray for the safe return of the teenagers. Meanwhile, the mothers of two of the abducted youngsters made televised statements. Addressing her son Naftali, Rachel Frenkel said, “you should know that the people of Israel are turning the world upside down to bring you home.”

Although the kidnapping has shocked the country, there have been consistent warnings recently from Israeli security services about plots by Palestinian armed groups to kidnap Israeli soldiers or civilians.